João Azevedo

João Mendonça Azevedo (10 July 1915 – 4 January 1991) was a Portuguese footballer who played as a goalkeeper. His career was all but associated with Sporting, for which he appeared in 423 competitive games.

For the Portuguese equestrian, see João Azevedo (equestrian).

Club career

Born in Barreiro, Setúbal District, Azevedo started playing football with two local teams, F.C. Barreirense and Luso Futebol Clube. He signed with Sporting CP in 1935, going on to remain with the club for the following 18 seasons and win 14 major titles, including eight Primeira Liga championships.[1]

On 17 November 1946, in a game against S.L. Benfica for the Lisbon Championship, Azevedo broke an arm, had to leave the field but returned during the second half with the score at 1–1 to help secure a 3–1 win.[2] He retired in 1954 at 39, after a season with neighbouring Clube Oriental de Lisboa.

International career

Azevedo earned 19 caps for the Portugal national team in one full decade,[1] making his debut on 28 November 1937 in a 2–1 friendly win over Spain. Before that match he, alongside teammates Mariano Amaro, Artur Quaresma and José Simões, refused to perform the fascist salute, being subsequently questioned by PIDE.[3]

Azevedo's only competitive appearance took place on 1 May 1938, where a 0–1 defeat against Switzerland in Italy meant failure to qualify for that year's FIFA World Cup. He was also in goal for his country on 25 May 1947, during the 10–0 friendly loss with England in Oeiras.[4]

Later life and death

After finishing his career, Azevedo worked as a taxi driver. He later moved to London, England, where he worked as a college chauffeur.[1]

Azevedo returned to Portugal in 1982, dying in his hometown on 4 January 1991 at the age of 75.[1]

Honours

Sporting

  • Primeira Liga: 1940–41, 1943–44, 1946–47, 1947–48, 1948–49, 1950–51, 1951–52, 1952–53
  • Taça de Portugal: 1940–41, 1944–45, 1945–46, 1947–48
  • Campeonato de Portugal: 1935–36, 1937–38

References
  1. "Gato de Frankfurt? Sim. Leão voador? Sempre" [Cat of Frankfurt? Yes. Flying lion? Always] (in Portuguese). Sporting CP. 10 July 2015. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  2. "Sporting: guarda-redes Azevedo nasceu há 100 anos" [Sporting: goalkeeper Azevedo was born 100 years ago] (in Portuguese). Mais Futebol. 10 July 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  3. De Melo, Afonso (14 June 2018). "Portugal-Espanha. "Franco! Franco! Franco! Salazar! Salazar! Salazar!"" [Portugal-Spain. “Franco! Franco! Franco! Salazar! Salazar! Salazar!”]. i (in Portuguese). Retrieved 9 May 2020.
  4. Tovar, Rui Miguel (25 May 2015). "Os mestres afinam pontaria e toma lá 10–0" [Masters work on their aim and 10–0 in your face]. i (in Portuguese). Retrieved 8 April 2020.
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